Infrastructure push spurs job growth in GCC
The UAE and Qatar are hosting global events like EXPO 2020 this October and FIFA World Cup in 2022Â respectively...
Economy
New technology rejigs Gulf maritime sector
Real time data coupled with effective supply chain technology came in handy for the industry after the aviation sector was...
Economy
Business
Race between UAE and Saudi Arabia heats up in logistics
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are engaged in a new bout of competition that could decide which...
- The UAE has a market share of logistics industry is 42% (US$60 billion) compared with Saudi Arabia’s share is 25%
- As the share of maritime trade is 70% of the global trade, sea freight is the main mode for cargo delivery is logistics and transportation in the GCC region
Science
Green drive: Middle East bets big on renewables
To forestall the crippling effects of climate change, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have put on track projects worth billions...
- Saudi Green Initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees in the coming years
- RENA says the MENA region will save 354 million barrels of oil through the deployment of renewables
Analysis
GCC airlines may continue to fly into losses
In 2020, airlines lost around $370 billion globally, while airports and air navigation services providers lost $115 billion and $13...
- The regional carriers will benefit from rapid vaccination rates on home markets
- Net losses of the airlines in all regions are expected to come down in 2021
Analysis
Retail detail: New malls come up in UAE, Saudi Arabia
Even as the pandemic would affect businesses, the mall owners are so confident of staying afloat that they are going...
- Saudi Arabian retailer BinDawood Holding has witnessed a 200% increase in its online sales.
- Al-Waleed Investment Group constructs a new shopping center ‘Meyan Mall’ near Burj Al Arab.
Research
UAE on way to become cashless economy by 2025
According to World Bank, the UAE has about 61 automated teller machines (ATMs) per 100,000 adults, much more than the...
- According to World Bank, the UAE has about 61 automated teller machines (ATMs) per 100,000 adults, much more than the world’s average of 43 ATMs
- The central bank digital currency (CBDC) could be launched in the UAE and Saudi Arabia in the next two to five years
Economy
UAE on way to become cashless economy by 2025
According to World Bank, the UAE has about 61 automated teller machines (ATMs) per 100,000 adults, much more than the...
- According to World Bank, the UAE has about 61 automated teller machines (ATMs) per 100,000 adults, much more than the world’s average of 43 ATMs
- The central bank digital currency (CBDC) could be launched in the UAE and Saudi Arabia in the next two to five years
Investigation
GCC seeks to tap green hydrogen demand
The GCC countries see hydrogen as a key factor in fuel transition and have drawn up plans to export green...
- UAE first in GCC to reduce emissions by 24 percent by 2030 and to 50 percent by 2050
- GCC countries have plenty of space, sunshine wind energy in some areas
Investigation
Mergers, acquisitions in GCC up during pandemic
Expanding regional and global footprints, high revenues, cheap capital to invest and diversification key factors that hastened the merger processes.
- An active merger and acquisitions market indicates a buoyant stock and credit markets.
- M&A activity will persist through 2021, with a focus on certain sectors.
Research
UAE, Bahrain lead MENA’s fintech sector boom
A total of 465 fintech companies in the region are expected to raise over $2 billion in venture-capital funding, compared...
- The fintech sector in the Middle East has been growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 30%
- Close to 47% of the fintech deals in 2019 were sealed in the UAE and nearly half of the fintech firms in the region are based in this Gulf country
Business
UAE’s Operation $300bn eyes more M&As
The strategic merger between Arkan and Emirates Steel Industries highlights the focus of the UAE's new industrial initiative 'Operation $300bn.'
- The UAE government wants to raise the industrial sector’s contribution to the GDP from US$36.20bn to US$81.66bn by 2031
- The strategy is aligned with national goals and international commitments relating to advancing sustainable economic growth, deploying clean energy solutions
Infrastructure push spurs job growth in GCC
The UAE and Qatar are hosting global events like EXPO 2020 this October and FIFA World Cup in 2022Â respectively...
Economy
Company News
Latest News
MENA firms: The public-private games go on
Investigation
Belt and Road Initiative in GCC: A deep dive
The relations between the Arab world and China have touched new highs particularly after China launched the Belt & Road...
Economy
MENA firms: The public-private games go on
Two key Dubai firms — Dubai parks operator DXB Entertainments and Dubai ports operator DP World — have de-listed from...
Investigation
‘Transparency key to success for corporates in MENA’
Good corporate governance and best practices have been driving the shift in the regional market, says Jamal Fakhro, Managing Partner...
Interview
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Analysis
‘Cyber pandemic’ grips UAE, Saudi Arabia
The Covid-19 pandemic has acted as a force multiplier for existing cyber threats while giving birth to a whole new...
- UAE has witnessed a 250 percent increase in cyberattacks, phishing and ransomware in 2020.
- Saudi Aramco and the US firm Raytheon to provide cyber-security services in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Why Golden Residency is not a privilege
Global economic transformation has pushed governments to implement various programs and reform investment rules to make them more flexible to...
- The UAE is the only Middle Eastern country that issues Golden Visas.
- In 2010, the first golden visa program was launched in Latvia.
Analysis
GCC can help shipping industry curb emissions
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are already off the starting mark in their efforts to supply alternative fuels to the...
- Hydrogen requires high-pressure tanks when stored as a gas or temperatures of -253°C when stored as a liquid
- Ammonia can be used as marine fuel as the conversion process is economical and involves little fuss